Chemical Peels: A Renewed Skin Care Therapy
By N.C Diamantis, MD, FAACS
Do you wish that you could simply peel signs of aging from your skin? It’s not as far fetched as it sounds. I am pleased to introduce an innovative blend of peels that do just this. A chemical peel is a medically proven technique used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck, chest or hands. A proprietary chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is smoother, clearer, and less wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin is fresh and more youthful. Chemical peels have been utilized in skin care for over a half-century. The basic formulas have remained unchanged for years, until now.
There are three basic types of chemical peels: Superficial Peel, Medium Peel and Deep Peel. Each unique peel is designed to improve a specific part of the skin. Superficial peels treat discoloration and rough skin as well as exfoliating the top layer of dead skin on the face, neck and hands. The Deep peels penetrate deeper in the skin and improve age spots, wrinkles and several precancerous skin growths. Overall, patients will see a dramatic improvement in skin appearance.
The introduction of new peel formulas has helped Doctors produce beautiful and immediate results with minimal discomfort, and downtime. Several medical factors must be considered by your Doctor prior to choosing the ideal chemical peel for you. A thorough evaluation is imperative before embarking upon a chemical peel.
Generally speaking light haired and fair skinned people are the best candidates for chemical peel. The procedure does not work as well on dark skinned individuals. Moreover, a chemical peel is not recommended for patients with infections, cut or broken skin, sunburned skin, active skin disease (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis) or active Herpes Simplex sores. Other relative contraindications include patients who are nursing, pregnant or have taken Accutane in the last six months. As a precaution, I suggest you refrain from using prescription skin medications like Retin-A, Renova, and hydroquinone 48 hours prior to any chemical peel.
Today’s blends of chemical peels are very effective in reducing fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth. It also improves the appearance of mild scars like acne/ pox scars. Medium peels reduce age spots, freckles, and dark patches (melasma) due to pregnancy, sun exposure or taking birth control pills. In general, chemical peels have allowed us to improve the look and feel of skin in a safe, cost effective manner.
You can get a chemical peel in a Doctor’s office. It’s an outpatient procedure, often performed during one’s lunch time. The professional who does your peel will first clean your skin thoroughly. Then they will apply one or more chemical solutions—such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, citric acid or phenol—to areas of your skin. This creates a controlled wound, letting new healthy skin take its place.
I suggest a regular program of peels to help repair and restore your skin to its beautiful natural state. Chemical peels stimulate the exfoliation process, removing the build up of dead skin cells that can clog pores and leave skin looking dull and lifeless. The new peels are additive, so the results will gradually accumulate over several months. The advanced chemical peels combine exfoliating acids, pigment inhibitors and skin strengthening agents to provide maximum benefits, minimal discomfort and no downtime. Moreover, chemical peels significantly increase the effectiveness of your skincare products by removing the top layer of dead skin cells, enabling better absorption of the key ingredients (vitamins, antioxidants, moisturizers) present in your skin care regimen.
Today’s enhanced chemical peels are safer and more effective than previous peels. These innovative and proven formulas effectively rejuvenate with blends of lactic, citric and salicylic acids and resorcinol, while bleaching and inhibiting pigment production with kojic and hydroquinone. These peels help repair and reduce breakouts, control oil glands, soften fine lines and provide a more even, smoother skin texture. Work with your Doctor to determine the best chemical formula for your specific skin. This decision depends upon the condition of your skin and your goals for treatment. For a complimentary skin care evaluation call 216. 227.3333. Learn more about our chemical peels see here
